TONIGHT: It’s the go-home show for MITB and possibly CM Punk and/or John Cena’s last Raw. Other stuff too, but I’m on vacation, so I haven’t had time to research anything.

- WWE Open.

- C.M. Punk came out with a mega-phone. I was playing BananaGrams so I was somewhat distracted. Some of the important stuff: He repeated the insults he laid on the McMahon family and Triple H. He said he’s getting all kinds of media requests after what happened two weeks ago, and he said the only time the media pays attention to wrestling is when a wrestler dies. Punk wanted to publicly negotiate his contract with Vince McMahon in front of the live crowd, and even broached the possibility of Vince joining the CM Punk Kiss My Ass club. More swearing in this segment than usual. John Cena came out and said he does all the hugging fans and kissing babies because he loves it. Oh, and Punk said the WWE Title needs to be re-done (and most of the crowd liked that- he got several “CM Punk” chants during this segment). Punk reiterated that he’s the best wrestler in the world but Cena reminded him he has the title. The GM e-mailed in and said it might be Cena’s last Raw, so he has a special match next. If only they had let Punk loose more often over the years.

[Commercial Break]

- Justin Roberts announced the following match as a handicap match. Nexus’ music played, so he’s facing the tag champs. Yes, they are handicapped in this situation.

(1) John Cena vs. David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty – Handicap MatchCena locked up with Otunga, and took him down with a wrist-lock. Snap-mare and a head-lock from Cena. The Boston crowd (including my girlfriend’s two cousins and their family) was behind him. Cena hit the ropes, shoulder knock-down by McGill. Hip-toss, then a dropkick and the son of Mr. Perfect bailed to ringside. Nexus tried to regroup as they went to break at 1:35.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 5:07 of the match, with Cena stuck in a McGillicutty headlock. I’ve got to find a short-hand for his name – I can’t be typing it out in full all the time. It’s driving me nuts. Maybe I’ll just call him (Joe) Hennig. Hennig put the boots to Cena in the corner, and Otunga got a cheap-shot in for good measure. Michael Cole tried to put over the importance of the WWE Title and what it means to the company. Too bad they don’t do this more often. Hard whip into the buckle by Otunga. Missed corner splash by Hennig, and Cena went into his routine. Hennig was set up for the AA, but Otunga made the save. A double-team move later, and Hennig registered a two-count on a pinfall. At 8:28, Hennig set Cena atop the turnbuckle. Cole said there hasn’t been a crisis like this in WWE since WCW challenged them in the late 90s. Cena headbutted Hennig down and kicked Otunga off the apron. Sicilian Slice, then an STF, and surprisingly, Otunga broke it up. Double-teaming by the heels, but Otunga missed a splash. AA on Hennig and Otunga was ole’d out of the ring. Cena pinned Hennig for the win.

Winner: Cena, at 9:56. Cena beats the odds once again by beating tag champs. Move along, nothing new to see here.

- Still to come, a live contract negotiation between CM Punk and Vince McMahon.

- Vickie Guerrero and Dolph Ziggler were talking backstage about the Cena-Punk situation. Ziggler wanted Vince to fire both men. Guerrero pretended to be Vince McMahon, making fun of him in the process. Then Drew McIntyre walked up and tried his own imitation, doing the walk and all (which he shouldn’t be doing, since Vince is the one who personally signed him to Smackdown). Ziggler insulted Vince and implored he retire. McIntyre made fun of Vince’s breath, as did Vickie. Vickie kept laughing while the other two straightened up. McMahon then walked up to them and had the gall to call them his “fastest rising stars.” McMahon said they deserve to have a spotlight on them, so tonight, they’ll be in a handicap match against Big Show. The both of them said it sounded good and thanked him. Vince asked for a mint since he really wouldn’t want to have “BAD” (screaming it in Dolph’s face) “BREATH” (screaming in Drew’s face). They walked off and Scott Stanford walked up and asked Vince about the contract negotiations, saying everyone wants to know what he’s going to do. Vince said everyone can go to hell. Went on way too long, but no surprise given it was about Vince.

- Kelly Kelly was walking backstage with the title over her shoulder, showing no charisma whatsoever behind that blank smile. She’s out next.

[Commercial Break]

(2) Melina vs. Kelly KellyMelina was already in the ring and the Bellas were on commentary. Melina crossed Kelly’s arms across her chest and pulled back on them. Quick near-fall, then a kick by Melina. She missed a split and Kelly landed the K2 legdrop as the Bellas talked about how much makeup she wears. Kelly got the pin after her finisher.

Winner: Kelly, at 1:41. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Melina gone soon, either WWE’s choice or hers.

The Bellas got in the ring and talked about how thin Kelly was and how she needs to eat more. They even insulted her skin! They Bellas each screwed up on the mic, one saying Proactiv did wonders for “Kelly Kell…Katy Perry.” Then the other used the word “malnurtured” instead of “malnourished.” Awful. Things got physical and Eve ran out to help her friend, but The Bellas fended her off and walked up the ramp, continuing to taunt the babyfaces. This is the opposite of LayCool’s attacks on Mickie James, but in the same vein. They’re getting into TNA territory where every feud has to be around another woman’s looks.

- The Miz was walking backstage. He’s coming out next.

[Commercial Break]

- The Miz came out, and ringside was filled with ladders (with one in the ring under the briefcase). Miz came into the ring and sat atop the ladder. He talked about winning the match at the PPV, saying he knows how to take this path to win the title. He wanted to prove he still has what it takes to become champion. He said he’s the future, but Jack Swagger came out and interrupted. He reminded Miz he cashed it in and said if someone cashes in a briefcase and no one remembers, did it really happen? Evan Bourne interrupted and slid into the ring feet-first under the bottom rope. They didn’t let him talk very long before Kofi Kingston came out. He started talking about the title and the importance of it. Kofi said it’s not about what he says tonight, but what he’ll do in the ring on Sunday. R-Truth walked out and said “surprise, surprise, surprise.” He talked about conspiracies and addressed the Little Jimmys in the crowd. They liked that. Truth said he had “agrophobia,” but then admitted he was afraid of heights, mixing up his phobias. He said the briefcase was going to get “got.” As Truth finished up, Alex Riley came out. “Oh, this guy,” said Cole. Riley ran to the ring and chased Miz out, then Albeto Del Rio rode in. Del Rio said Cena is afraid of him and continued the streak of mentioning the word “destiny” in his promos. His music started playing before he finished his promo, but it was near the end anyway. The anonymous GM buzzed in and Cole read it: A match will be made with Miz, Jack Swagger and R-Truth taking on Evan Bourne, Alex Riley, and Kofi Kingston in a six-man tag match that starts now. Well, after the break. Straight outta the “how to build a MITB match” textbook, which is getting quite worn.

[Commercial Break]

(3) Kofi Kingston & Alex Riley & Evan Bourne vs. The Miz & Jack Swagger & R-TruthMatch was joined in progress after break. Kick to the head by Miz on Bourne for two. Front suplex by Truth for a two-count. Suplex into a stunner by Truth, as he kept Bourne from making a tag. Axe kick missed and Bourne caught Truth in the chin with a jumping knee. Tag to Kofi, who landed a springboard clothesline. Double leg-drop by Kofi, then a flip kick in the corner and a high cross-body. Truth clotheslined Kofi through the ropes and to the outside. It looked like they were setting up the finish, but instead they went to break at 4:57.

[Commercial Break]

Back at 8:00 with Miz in control of Kingston. Double suplex on Kingston for two. Head-scissors by Truth, then a tag to Swagger. Kofi fought out of the corner and double DDT’d Swagger and Truth. All three men were down at 9:43. Riley came in and speared Swagger. Crowd died when he came in, unfortunately. Everybody got involved and Swagger ate a boot on a Vader Bomb try. Jumping DDT by Riley for three.

The heels cleared the ring but Bourne went to the top. He was about to connect on Air Bourne, but ADR ran out and pushed him off. He then took a ladder and nailed everyone (mostly heels) with it and tossed it onto Miz on the outside.

- They showed Mr. McMahon’s comments from last week about CM Punk, and John Cena coming out to rebut him.

- Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre came out for their handicap match. It’s next.

[Commercial Break]

(4) Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre vs. The Big Show – Handicap MatchZiggler began the match with Show, but then tagged in Drew before touching Show. He bealed Mac into the ring, then gave a hard chop to Ziggler. Show aggressively went after McInytre, then connected on a short-arm clothesline. Mac was slammed, then was thrown over the top and to the outside. He went out after McIntyre and tossed him, with one hand, into the barricade. Show mauled McIntyre to the ground just before the ramp began. He sent McIntyre up the ramp as the bell sounded to end the match, but the announcers didn’t even acknowledge it.

Winner(s): Double count-out, at 1:53.

Show shoved Mcintyre into the WWE insignia on the ramp, then prepared to chokeslam McIntyre off the stage and into a heavily padded area (Ziggler was still at ringside, avoiding contact to the best of his ability). Mark Henry ran out and barreled into Show, sending all there men into an area that was covered by a black sheet. It wasn’t even that far of a fall, either. Refs tended to the men as they went to break.

[Commercial Break]

- They showed an aerial view of Fenway Park in Boston.

- Near the stage, Mark Henry was back on his feet, but limping. He refused any help from referees.

- The announcers talked on camera about what just occurred. After that, we got clips of what happened earlier when Alberto Del Rio went on the attack.

- Mr. McMahon walked out. Apparently, he didn’t like the reaction, so he walked to the back and came back out. Then he did it a third time. He began walking out, but then seemed to be shouting at Justin Roberts and walked to the back again. Then back out and to the ring. He’s getting crazier and crazier. Cole sucked up to Vince, who didn’t shake his hand as Cole predicted. McMahon hob-knobbed with Mr. Cena at ringside (I think that was him- the announcers didn’t acknowledge it) then went into the ring where there was red carpet, a nice shiny table (not like the ugly ones for contract signings) and some chairs. McMahon said he wasn’t going to join the Punk Kiss My Ass Club. Vince opined that contract negotiations should not be done in public. McMahon invited Punk to come out, and wondered what “CM” stood for. He said he had a plane to catch, then Punk came out.

Punk mocked Vince’s walk and came out with a folder of his own. Punk rebuked a handshake and Vince sat down first. McMahon complained about the seat saying it was “a Sky Low Low seat.” Vince said the provision about the collector’s cup is in Punk’s contract so he told him to just sign it. Punk paced around Vince and said for someone who has always been so pro-Cena, he thought Vince would be dressed fully in Cena garb. He said it’s clear Vince has no faith in Cena, and he doesn’t blame him. Vince said the amount of faith he has in Cena is immaterial here. He told him to just sign the contract and said he wouldn’t live with himself if he allowed Punk to walk out of Chicago as his champion. McMahon even called Punk “Phil.” Punk said his lawyers looked over the contract, and it just wasn’t up to par, so he has a new one.

Punk said his signature is already on it, and all Vince has to do is sign it. He added a few new perks, and asked the WWE Universe if they wanted this negotiation to be public. They did. Punk asked if someone already stooged him off when Vince said “don’t push me,” since the first provision is that he gets to push Vince. Punk said he’ll kick Vince in the nuts, smile and say he likes it and show Punk some respect. If not, Punk throws the contract in the shredder and walks out with the title. Punk said another provision is that he wants his own jet – and not Vince’s because his smells. Punk said he wants his face on the Titan-Tron, the turnbuckles, cups, posters, shoes, socks, forks, knives and spoons. He told Vince to bring back the WWE Ice Cream Bars (HUGE pop for those and even an “ice cream bars” chant). Punk wanted “CM Punk: The Movie” from WWE Productions. He said to call it The Chaperone 2 except it’ll be funny, entertaining and successful. Finally, the Cena vs. Rock Wrestlemania can stick, but the match he’ll be in will be the main event. Those are just a few of the perks; the final stipulation is that Vince apologizes to him for suspending him last week. He said he’d be apologizing to the fans too for being one of the biggest hypocrites he’s ever met.

He again brought up the bully campaign and said Vince is a bully himself. “CM Punk” chant from the Boston faithful. Punk said he has had very talented friends work for the company and get fired. “They deserved it!” shouted Vince, but Punk said Vince doesn’t know how to make a superstar in 2011. Punk brought up Colt Cabana and Luke Gallows, saying he punished people for liking wrestling. He said he’s going to apologize to Punk for them because they can’t be there. He said Vince will apologize and like it. Vince told him to calm down and be gentlemanly about it. Punk (and the fans) were more in favor of the apology. Punk told Vince to sign and apologize to spare his company from further embarrassment. Punk knocked over the table and chair. The fans started chanting about what they want and Vince said he doesn’t care what they want – Punk jumped on him, saying that’s the problem with Vince. He said Boston wants to hear an apology. Vince apologized. He’s looking very orange these days. “If there was ever an appropriate time….what?” said Punk. “I said I apologize you son of a bitch!” said McMahon.

Punk was elated that he got the apology and applauded with the mic in his hand. He was sitting on the top rope and Vince picked up the contract. Punk told him to sign it before the stock plummets some more. McMahon tried to pull the contract out as fans chanted “Colt Cabana.” As he was about to sign it, Cena’s music played. He walked to ringside and then into the ring after grabbing a mic. He told Punk it was a fine speech and the crowd loves him…and Sunday, he’ll walk out on each and every one of them. Cena said Vince and Punk were like a bunch of spoiled brats. They were pointing at each other and Cena said he hates Vince too and often walks into the locker room and wants to rip Vince’s face off, but he shows up for work every day. Cena said the people will be the ones taking it on the chin and said Punk is the biggest hypocrite of them all – he asks the fans to stand behind him, then he’ll leave them. His contract is up, it’s his right. Cena brought up The Rock, who said he would never leave. That was kinda awkward fitting that in there. Cena said he admired Punk for what he believes in, but he’s lost sight of things.

Punk said it was Cena who lost sight of things, and at WM 22, he was hanging on the side of Cena’s car. He told himself that some day, he’ll actually be in the ring fighting him for the title. Punk said this is where he brings them into the building, and said Cena has lost sight of things. He’s from Boston, the home of the underdog, but Cena is no longer an underdog (after pointing out Cena’s dad and wife in the crowd). He’s a dynasty, something that he hates. “You have become the New York Yankees,” he said, then Cena punched him in the face. Punk left the ring and walked up the ramp. He yelled about being the underdog. Cena’s music played, but Punk cut it off. He said said he knows exactly why he wants to leave: Because he’s tired of “this.” He’s tired of Cena, just tired. Punk told the fans and McMahon to say goodbye to the WWE Title and Cena…and CM Punk. He then tore up the contract atop the stage. “I’ll go be the best in the world somewhere else,” he said, then did Cena’s “you can’t see me” hand gesture. End.

"Look at that, I just made you a million dollars in ice cream sales!" He totally has. Easily. Strike while the iron is hot, WWE.

"I said I apologize, you SON OF A BITCH!" Yeah, my dad didn't think that kind of thing qualified as a legitimate apology whenever I had to say "I'm sorry" to my sister.

"You have become the New York Yankees!" WHAM! You kinda figured that would be Cena's response.

Everything, EVERYTHING Punk did tonight was gold. That microphone really is a pipe bomb in his hands. Cena almost killed that promo (and Punk missed an opportunity to say, "Yeah, Rock did say he'd never leave again. But come to think of it, when was the last time you saw him?"), but Punk revitalized it again.

It's the classic story of the underdog giving it everything he's got night after night against the complacent dynasty that does the same old shit week in, week out.

Let's see, what else...

Seriously, Show, what the heck did Drew McIntyre do to you? I think you deserved to get ambushed by Mark Henry.

Why does everyone look like they're on the verge of tears whenever the Bellas insult them? What, are these Divas twelve years old or something?

Where the heck was Rey Mysterio? I hope he's all right!

(edited by ekedolphin on 11.7.11 2329)

"Let me tell you something, Leo... after heroin and cocaine, tobacco is next.""Great. Another criminal empire we can give birth to."--President Jed Bartlet and Leo McGarry, The West Wing

CM Punk is my hero. And God bless him for pointing out that the last "John Cena gets fired" angle lasted a good week, as he skillfully put the focus of the angle back on him. The only thing better was watching Punk's masterful performance in the final segment. The really funny thing about this angle is that with Cena painting Punk as a crusader for the First Amendment, Punk calling out Vince TO HIS FACE, and with the PPV taking place in Chicago, they've successfully set up Punk to be the HUGE babyface for Sunday's main event. Cena's SO getting booed out of the building on Sunday. And if the plan is for Punk to tap to Cena's STF, the crowd's going to shit all over that finish. Who, besides the most casual of fans, is rooting for CENA in this match? Especially when he's casually comparing Punk to a TERRORIST? I know I'm not!

And again, minor annoyance, but does that Nexus armband even MEAN anything anymore?

I have a weird feeling that Mark Henry wasn't supposed to take that dive, but it got to a point that he couldn't stop himself, so he ended up taking the spill, too. Surely he wouldn't have PLANNED to nearly kill himself on that dive.

I actually liked the buildup for Sunday's MitB match, as worn as it was. I kept waiting for Rey to make the run-in at the end, but I guess he took the night off.

My girlfriend noticed that Cena was pouring on the Bah-stahn accent really thick tonight...either it was intentional or he just couldn't help it after being back home, but I never noticed it that much, especially at the end.

"Ice cream bars! Ice cream bars!" And a Colt Cabana chant to boot!

Drew is currently in the same phantom zone as the SD! sound guy. He vanished! (He also did the best McMahon strut of the night.)

"You're Steinbrenner!" He also mentioned Jeter's 3000th hit in there too. Outstanding.

Punk topped his performance from two weeks ago tonight. From the reference to the old WWE ice cream bars to him mocking Vince walk to slamming Vince for firing Cabana and Gallows to giving the hand wave to this idea that Cena might be fired if his loses. He had the crowd in his hands and I got a Austin-McMahon vibe from the McMahon-Punk segment. It was magic. What wasn't magic was Cena's promo when he called Punk a terrorist and his comments on how much he hated Vince was not believable. Punk is one of the few reasons to be interested in Wrestling right now and I really hope he's sticking around. All in all the build o the match has been fantastic and I hope they don't screw it up by making Punk a corporate champ or have SuperCenba beat the odds once again and win yet again.

Originally posted by graves9I got a Austin-McMahon vibe from the McMahon-Punk segment. It was magic. What wasn't magic was Cena's promo when he called Punk a terrorist and his comments on how much he hated Vince was not believable.

Oh yeah, exactly. It's not like Cena has been actively fighting Vince McMahon on television the way that Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H or Shawn Michaels have done. In fact I can't even recall an instance where Cena has ever committed an act of violence against McMahon. And Vince certainly hasn't put his very best guys up against Cena with the intention of finding someone to beat him and become his "corporate champion".

So the "I shit on Vince McMahon's picture" part of that promo rang extremely hollow. The man has made you a household name and a millionaire, John, and has done absolutely nothing to you, on-camera or probably even off-camera, to make you feel like anything other than a valued employee.

"Let me tell you something, Leo... after heroin and cocaine, tobacco is next.""Great. Another criminal empire we can give birth to."--President Jed Bartlet and Leo McGarry, The West Wing

Originally posted by DirtyMikeSeaverI think it would be funny after seeing the end of that show, The Rock would just call Vince and say "F++k this. I'm doing you guys a favour and I'm getting crapped on by these 2 guys. Match off".

I think he(Rock) has done that before. Anyway if Cena wins I guess it will be a very long title reign for Cena possibly till Miami in 2012.

Originally posted by It's FalseCM Punk is my hero. And God bless him for pointing out that the last "John Cena gets fired" angle lasted a good week, as he skillfully put the focus of the angle back on him. The only thing better was watching Punk's masterful performance in the final segment. The really funny thing about this angle is that with Cena painting Punk as a crusader for the First Amendment, Punk calling out Vince TO HIS FACE, and with the PPV taking place in Chicago, they've successfully set up Punk to be the HUGE babyface for Sunday's main event. Cena's SO getting booed out of the building on Sunday. And if the plan is for Punk to tap to Cena's STF, the crowd's going to shit all over that finish. Who, besides the most casual of fans, is rooting for CENA in this match? Especially when he's casually comparing Punk to a TERRORIST? I know I'm not!

(edited by RecklessEric on 11.7.11 2106)

And again, minor annoyance, but does that Nexus armband even MEAN anything anymore?

Woops! This had me until that "who, but the casual fan" nonsense. This "casual fan" are the children and parents who actually pay the money to watch this PPV. I'm certain that they think that CENA is going to shut this "terrorist" up once and for all.

P.S. I am just rooting for Punk to stay. I don't care if he wins the match or not.

Looks like Phil (hey, Vince called him that) really is putting asses in seats.

With a great beginning and ending to Raw, and nothing too offensive in the midcard filler, I gotta say that this was a good show. Now next week when Punk is probably not there, then it might be back to shit (unless a certain member of Mexican royalty is the new WWE champ of course).

Cena talking about diapers was a weak tonal shift after the Vince/Punk negotiations, but I thought the promo he did at the beginning of the show was his best one (and first serious one) in years.

Punk bringing up dead wrestlers I think takes all the cakes. If we count "Kurt Angle" as a "TNA," then we're just a "Benoit" and a "Serena is an alcoholic" away from finishing my bingo card. It's been a surreal, amazing ride. Kind of sad if everything just goes back to reality after Sunday, but it's happened before and it'll happen again. Either way I don't think we'll forget this blip anytime soon.

I don't think Mark Henry was supposed to fall off either

Originally posted by ekedolphinSo the "I shit on Vince McMahon's picture" part of that promo rang extremely hollow. The man has made you a household name and a millionaire, John, and has done absolutely nothing to you, on-camera or probably even off-camera, to make you feel like anything other than a valued employee.

Why would any babyface like Vince McMahon? He's a jerk and he's mean and he's a cheater. Plus he gave Batista that free title shot immediately after Cena won the Elimination Chamber.